UK Prime Minister Johnson Survives Confidence Vote but Faces Uncertain Victory (Comprehensive)

148 Votes Against in Conservative Party Confidence Vote
Lower Approval Rate Than Former Prime Minister Theresa May Received

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who faced a crisis due to the 'Party Gate' scandal, won the confidence vote and will retain his position as Prime Minister. However, nearly 150 Conservative Party MPs voted against him, dealing a serious blow to Johnson's authority.

According to major media outlets including CNN on the 7th, Johnson received 211 votes in favor and 148 votes against in the Conservative Party parliamentary confidence vote. According to party rules, he must receive support from more than half of the party's MPs (359 members), meaning at least 180 votes, to maintain his leadership. In the UK's parliamentary system, the Queen appoints the leader of the ruling party as Prime Minister.

However, the approval rate Johnson received (59%) is lower than the 63% approval rate former Prime Minister Theresa May received in her 2018 confidence vote. Although May passed the confidence vote, she faced criticism over the UK's withdrawal from the European Union (EU) and eventually resigned voluntarily six months later.

CNN reported, "The most pessimistic scenario before the vote was 80 votes against," adding, "Johnson's supporters appear busier than ever deciding his next steps as his position as Prime Minister looks more unstable since taking office."

Johnson praised the vote result as "a convincing and decisive victory that allows the country to continue progressing," but major media pointed out that the significant number of votes against him (148) is damaging his power.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, Johnson attended a party at the Prime Minister's office in 2019 when the UK was under strict lockdown due to COVID-19 and was fined by the police for violating quarantine rules. The so-called 'Party Gate' scandal led to calls for his resignation both inside and outside the party, and criticism intensified when photos of a drinking party inside the Prime Minister's office were released on the 25th of last month.

Recently, at the Platinum Jubilee event commemorating the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, Johnson and his wife were publicly booed.

If the confidence vote is won, the Conservative Party leader can maintain the Prime Minister position for the next 12 months without additional votes. However, some opposing MPs are reportedly seeking to amend this rule to shorten the no-revote period, CNN reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.